(Deutsche Übersetzung unten)
So here it is: After more than four months designing, building and coding, dozens of failed attempts and tests, meters and meters of wire, solder and double sided tape and a couple of smoked modules... my fischertechnik-based pinball table!
It began as the standard ft Electropneumatics kit but evolved in a very different direction. The end result doesn't look or work like the original anymore. My main goals with this project were to achieve good playability and to simulate some classic pinball table features. It's a complex project so there is quite a lot to talk about. Here is a summary:
- Flippers: These are made smaller than ft's and use two S-couplings with a hard rubber pad sandwiched between them. Minimum and maximum angles are similar to those in a real pinball table. The curved tip allows for better control of the ball direction, so usual tricks like passing and precise aiming are possible. Instead of pneumatics, the flippers use 6 V solenoids driven by a L298N module. They receive about 18-19 V for a few milliseconds, then drop to about 15% PWM which is enough to hold them up.
- Ball return: After the ball is drained, it runs to the rear side via a flex ramp located underneath the table, then is immediately returned to the plunger by a chain elevator with a small magnet. After the last ball the return is not automatic, you must press one of the flipper buttons to start a new game.
- Launch door: A servo-driven door opens when there is a ball to be launched, and closes when it passes a nearby sensor so it cannot return to the plunger. The closed door also helps to direct the ball to the rightmost upper lane during gameplay.
- Targets: The playfield has four upper lanes with reflective IR sensors, a left target similar to the one in the Electropneumatics kit with an LED and ft phototransistor, a right target with a ft lightness sensor and electromagnet to hold the ball, a spinning target with a fork sensor to count revolutions, two extra IR sensors in the outlanes, and another ft phototransistor/LED pair just below the outhole. Rubber pads guarantee fast action in strategic locations.
- Player feedback: A self-made 6-digit Arduino-based module shows scores and simple messages. Several LEDs and NeoPixels are lit or flashed to indicate game states. The sensor LEDs are controlled by software and they are used in some animations. There is also an MP3 module used for various sound effects.
- Graphics: I've designed and illustrated a kitchen-based theme called "Dirty Dishes". You use the "hot" and "cold" handles (the flippers) to wash a pile of dishes inside the sink (i.e. get points). There is also a kitchen roll (the spinner), a plate rack where you can "dry" your plates (the electromagnet), and so on. Graphics are inkjet-printed on plastic sheets that cover for the many slots in the baseplates 500 so the ball runs smoothly. Translucent paper is used in some top covers where light is supposed to shine through.
- Programming: The main logic is programmed into an Arduino Nano which deals with the all inputs and sensors, in addition to driving the flippers and the electromagnet. Another Nano is connected to it via I²C. It works as a port expander and controls LEDs, NeoPixels, the MP3 module, and the ball feed motor.
- Gameplay: Game rules are detailed and somewhat intricate. Several of them are taken from actual pinball machine tables, while others are entirely different or had to be adapted. Features include: skill shot, ball save, multipliers, spinning target bonus, ball hold, extra ball, time-related scores, and more.
I'm still working on the software. There is also room for improvement in some fronts, but I'm quite satisfied with the results so far, and so are my kids which also enjoy playing with the machine. Most of the time they are not very interested in fischertechnik but this is an obvious exception
I also have other images, I'll post some later.
Regards,
Rubem